This year, ASH significantly expanded its outreach to members of Congress to emphasize the importance of Medicaid coverage for individuals with hematologic disorders. Through coordinated email campaigns, in-person member visits to Capitol Hill, and — new this year — member-led visits to local congressional offices, ASH ensured that legislators heard firsthand how critical Medicaid is for individuals living with hematologic conditions.
In June, ASH President Belinda R. Avalos, MD, and ASH President-Elect Robert Negrin, MD, visited Capitol Hill to alert lawmakers to the potentially devastating impacts of several provisions in what was dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The officers shared stories about the positive, profound impact of Medicaid coverage for many individuals with hematologic disorders, and the importance of protecting access to care for this vulnerable population.
While the sweeping bill ultimately passed, the visits to lawmakers still underscored the value of outreach and advocacy. One stop for Drs. Avalos and Negrin was the office of Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican representing Dr. Avalos’s home state of North Carolina. Sen. Tillis ultimately voted against the bill, citing the expected loss of Medicaid funding In North Carolina. Member storytelling has been a vital part of the Society’s advocacy efforts, especially in addressing policies that affect access to care.
“We didn’t win on this one vote, but the battle is far from over,” said Dr. Avalos. “Our visits with lawmakers are vital. The more information and stories we share about the impact of slashing Medicaid in their home states, the greater our chances that we will be able to mitigate, or even reverse, some of the cuts that are on the horizon.”
